South Africa crashed out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 losing to Australia by five runs in a last-over thriller at the Sydney Cricket Ground. However, Proteas skipper Dane Van Niekerk insists they would prefer this result any day over being handed a ‘free pass’ into the final due to rain. Notably, India made it to the finals by virtue of finishing the league stage with more points after a washout against England earlier in the day.
After a complete washout in the first semifinal, the second tie was only 15-20 minutes from the same fate. Had the rain stayed a bit longer during the innings break, South Africa would have set up a final date with India on March 8 (Sunday) at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, the rain stopped and the game was on.
Heartbreaking for South Africa
Unbeaten in the group stage and fighting right to the end. A performance to be proud of #SAvAUS | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/mDJKhw9OAM
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) March 5, 2020
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The home side kept their nerves in the reduced 13-over clash to clinch a thrilling encounter which also ended South Africa’s journey in the competition. Laura Wolvdaart looked threatening knocking boundaries at the right time but Jess Jonassen bowled a perfect last over to take Australia through to the finals – sixth time in the history.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Proteas skipper Dane Van Niekerk made a comment indirectly targetting India. She said her side will prefer losing than getting a free pass to the final. Her comments stand no ground as India made into the final by virtue of finishing higher on the points table and the final berth was not gifted to Harmanpreet Kaur & Co.
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“I am not going to sit and lie and say, ‘You don’t think about it’,” Dane van Niekerk said, about the possibility of her team qualifying for the final if the match had been washed out by virtue of their higher tally of points in the group stage than Australia.
“I have to give credit to the ground staff; they did absolutely everything to keep us on the park. And we are here to play cricket. I’d rather lose than get a free pass into the World Cup final,” she added.
Watch the video clip here:
Dane van Niekerk: “I’d rather lose than get a free pass into the World Cup Final” #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/lVHfirT2As
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 5, 2020
